Coal Preparation
Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




MSHA Releases Its Annual Winter Alert Campaign

Published: December 6, 2017 |

[Click image to enlarge]

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) releases its annual Winter Alert campaign, reminding miners and mine operators of the increased hazards that colder weather creates at both surface and underground coal mines.

The Winter Alert campaign, which runs each year through March, emphasizes increased vigilance and adherence to safety principles during the winter months, when cold temperatures increase hazards for miners.  Throughout the Winter Alert campaign, MSHA personnel regularly visit mines around the country to heighten awareness of the changing conditions that occur during winter months, and will distribute materials that focus on best practices for safely performing miners’ jobs.

“The cold winter months bring an increased risk of underground coal mine explosions, as well as an increase in hazards associated with ice and snow that collect at surface facilities and preparation plants. During the Winter Alert campaign, MSHA personnel will work to ensure miners and mine operators have information to maintain safe and healthful working conditions,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health David Zatezalo.

When the barometric pressure drops during colder weather, methane can migrate more easily into the mine atmosphere, increasing the risk of an explosion. Dry winter air also results in drier conditions underground, allowing coal dust to become suspended in the mine atmosphere, increasing the danger of an explosion.

Examinations are the first line of defense underground and should include the following:

• Check for methane.
• Know the mine’s ventilation plan and maintain ventilation controls.
• Continually apply rock dust to prevent the propagation of an explosion.

At surface operations and preparation plants, hazards such as limited visibility, slippery walkways, and freezing and thawing highwalls may lead to accidents.

• Check highwalls and benches for stability.
• Examine vehicles for exhaust leaks and consider limiting engine idle time to reduce risk of carbon monoxide
  asphyxiation.
• Remove snow and ice on roadways, and apply sand to maintain traction.


About MSHA
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) works to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006. The agency develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines regardless of size, number of employees, commodity mined, or method of extraction. MSHA also provides technical, educational and other types of assistance to mine operators. They work cooperatively with industry, labor, and other Federal and state agencies to improve safety and health conditions for all miners in the United States.

To stop by MSHA’s website, CLICK HERE


Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

FREE eNews delivery service to your email twice-weekly. With a focus on lead-driven news, our news service will help you develop new business contacts on an on-going basis.
CLICK HERE to register your email address.


Copyright © 2017 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement




Advertisement